Incident Overview
A pilot reported that during a deer-spotting flight, the helicopter struck the top of a tree. The impact damaged the tail rotor, causing the helicopter to spin. The pilot responded by closing the throttle, after which the helicopter landed and rolled onto its left side.
Damage
The helicopter sustained substantial damage to the tail boom and fuselage. The pilot stated that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the helicopter that would have precluded normal operation.
Pilot's Recommendation
Following the incident, the pilot recommended flying at a higher and safer altitude to avoid similar occurrences.